Luke Bryan, Here's to the Farmer (EP) © Capitol Nashville

Luke Bryan ‘Here’s to the Farmer’ (EP) – Album Review

by brent80, posted in Album & EP Reviews, Music, Reviews

Luke Bryan, Here's to the Farmer (EP) © Capitol Nashville

★★★

Country superstar Luke Bryan doesn’t bring much “new” to the table on 2016 EP, Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer.

Luke Bryan is quite the prolific country musician.  After dropping Kill The Lights in 2015, he fails to release a new full-length album in 2016.  What better way to whet fans’ palettes than an EP? Bryan has become adept at releasing EPs.  At this point, however, releasing another Spring Break oriented project would be a stretch for the 40-year old. Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer, hence, feels more age appropriate.

While Here’s to the Farmer suits Bryan’s current artistic status, the problem with the EP is it brings nothing new to the table.  That isn’t to say Bryan doesn’t sound respectable or that the material isn’t solid. However, nothing on this five-song effort ultimately wows. Unsurprisingly, the projects two pre-release singles – “Here’s to the Farmer” and “Love Me in a Field” – are the best of the EP.

“I Do All My Dreamin’ There” opens energetically, featuring plenty of oomph. Bryan’s vocals are clear, and he nails the rhythmic melodic lines during the verses.  The chorus is commonplace and highly countrified:

“I do my barber sinking / peanut butter sandwich eatin’ / watching the world go by / where I’ve done some beer crackin’ / crying, praying, laughin’…”

Title track “Here’s to the Farmer” is the crème de la crème of EP. The verses literally depict the life of a farmer:

“Talk about an uphill battle / 2000 acres of beans and cattle… / hydraulic fluid on his jeans / red dye diesel and ten rows between…”

The chorus sums things up soundly:

“Here’s to the farmer that plants the fields in the spring / that turn from green to that harvest honey…”

Ultimately, the record is a bit corny but respectable and admirable. Farmers are truly underappreciated.

“Love Me in a Field” features an excellent groove and nice use of riffs. Smartly, the record is up-tempo and energetic.  The banjo goes strong…predictably.  Expectedly, Bryan delivers vocally, and the chorus is a selling point.

Penultimate record “You Look Like Rain” is beautiful performed, slackening the pace.  While respectable, the record isn’t particularly distinct or the second coming.  Likewise, “Southern Gentleman” is cliché – “been there, done that.” Bryan seems to be in nostalgic mode, mentioning every aspect of southern living that comes to mind:

“Stand up when you walk in the door / spin you around an old heart pine floor / rock you baby on a wraparound porch / underneath a magnolia blossom.”

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer is merely good at best.  Bryan has released projects like this one many times over.  He sounds great, but the material only goes so far and lacks transcendence. “Here’s to the Farmer” is easily the highlight, but still doesn’t come off as a track with much-staying power.  Here’s to the Farmer is for fans only.  

Luke Bryan • Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer (EP) • Capitol Nashville • Release: 9.23.16
Photo Credit: Capitol Nashville

Publishing Note: The album review was originally published on The Musical Hype as Luke Bryan Delivers More of the Same on ‘Here’s to the Farmer’ on September 27, 2016.  

shawn-mendes-illuminate-island

Shawn Mendes, ‘Illuminate’ – Album Review

by brent80, posted in Album & EP Reviews, Music, Pop Culture, Reviews

shawn-mendes-illuminate-island

★★★½

Canadian teen-pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes goes bigger, more mature on enjoyable, respectable, sophomore album, Illuminate. 

Canadian teen-pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes has been promoting sophomore album Illuminate all summer long.  Mendes broke through in 2015 with his platinum-certified album Handwritten, which spawned a big hit with “Stitches.” Prudently, Mendes sought to release his sophomore album sooner than later and at least critically, it pays off.  There is a newfound maturity throughout the course of Illuminate.  Shawn isn’t a kid anymore…well, sort of.

“Ruin” 

“Ruin” opens Illuminate with a bang.  Mendes doesn’t ruin – rather miss – an opportunity to shine, showcasing soulfulness and grit within his voice. “Ruin” sets the tone for Illuminate, an album that ultimately shows the teen artist maturing and embracing a wider audience.  The only rub? Arguably, could’ve been the second song on Illuminate as opposed to the opener (nitpicking).

“Mercy” – one of many songs co-written by Teddy Geiger – maintains the high watermark established by “Ruin.” Arguably, given the quick tempo and high energy, “Mercy” could’ve been the album opener. Dramatic, Mendes once more amplifies the expressiveness of his pipes, further encouraged by gospel-infused backing vocals.  The topic is cliché (“please have mercy on my heart”), but “Mercy” has hit written all over it.

“Treat You Better”  

Initially, we (The Musical Hype) weren’t high “Treat You Better,” criticizing it as sounding ever too similar to “Stitches.” While the similarities remain, “Treat You Better” is well-rounded and enjoyable.  Given its catchiness, it’s unsurprising that the record has become a top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  As the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

“Three, Empty Words” finds Mendes scaling things down – it’s more stripped and intimate. It serves as a stark contrast to the fun and catchier “Treat You Better.” His vocals are clear and well produced.  The production isn’t flashy, but pure, simple, and effective. The addition of backing vocals and more instrumentation (strings) is beautiful and quite musical. “Three, Empty Words” continues to show Mendes’ vast musical capabilities. It isn’t the most exciting record, but sound. 

“Don’t Be a Fool” 

Maturity continues to be the M.O. on “Don’t Be a Fool.” Vocally, Mendes sounds fantastic, showcasing the sheer radiance of his instrument. He infuses every ounce of passion, which is shown through the rasp and earnestness of his voice. An old-school record chocked full of blues, Mendes makes it sound ripe and relevant.

The balladry of “Like This” is polished.  Mendes’ nuances are incredible.  He has the perfect instinctiveness to know when to push and when to pull back.  Excellently produced, “Like This” doesn’t reveal all its cards from the start. “No Promises” accelerates the pace a bit. It has an urban contemporary touch.  It’s not full-on contemporary R&B, but meant to be fun and flirty and quasi-simulate that style. Mendes executes its soundly, oscillating between his lower register and a respectable falsetto.

“Lights On” 

“Lights On” kicks off with a guitar, a key instrument throughout Illuminate.  Once more, the sound is urban contemporary-infused pop. The production work remains strong; it isn’t overdone or corrupt with a bag of tricks. Notably, Mendes “breaks the seal” of squeaky, clean teen-pop:

“Damn, you look so good with your clothes on.” 

Sure, there’s a clever chivalrousness throughout the song and the excerpted line, but he doesn’t rule out sensual things either:

“Start discovering your secrets / underneath these very sheets / your skin’s so perfect up against me / your lips are talking when we don’t speak.”

The gentle production work of “Honest” is a selling point.  There’s nothing too crazy throughout the course of Illuminate.  Once more, Mendes flaunts his lovely falsetto on the refrain. After powering through much of Illuminate, the falsetto serves as it’s a sensational contrast. “Patience” is groovy, but laid-back at the same time. In effect, it balances two extremes. Mendes’ vocal timbre on the refrain is golden – in the grittiest way possible.  The chorus itself is great:

“First you say you love me then you say you don’t / I wake up in the mornin’ and I’m all alone / tell me that you will and then you say you won’t / Can you make your mind up? / Cause I’m losin’ my patience.”

“Bad Reputation” 

“Bad Reputation” is a heavy song for an 18-year old, but well-written and ultimately, authentic.  The use of cello adds to the drama.  The best moment is undoubtedly the chorus:

“And I don’t care what they say about you baby / they don’t know what you’ve been through / and trust me, I could be the one to treat you like a lady / let me see what’s underneath, all I need is you.” 

“Understand” concludes the standard edition, establishing itself as the inspirational, gospel-tinged closer.  Interestingly, it features commentary by Mendes. Does he sound mature? Somewhat. He’s maturing, but still young.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Illuminate is an enjoyable, well-rounded sophomore album from Shawn Mendes.  Clearly, Mendes has his eyes on the bigger picture, truly showing progression as an artist.  What makes this effort successful is the fact that he doesn’t alienate his young fan base (one damn aside) and he invites an older audience to give him a look.  All in all, Illuminate is a winner.

Gems: “Ruin,” “Mercy,” “Treat You Better,” “Don’t Be a Fool” & “Bad Reputation”  

Shawn Mendes • Illuminate • Island • Release: 9.23.16
Photo Credit: Island

Publishing Note: This review was originally published on The Musical Hype as Shawn Mendes Steps Up His Game on ‘Illuminate’ on Monday, September 26, 2016.  

D.R.A.M. ft. Lil Yachty, "Broccoli"

10 Hot 100 Takeaways: D.R.A.M. Takes ‘Broccoli’ to the Top 10

by brent80, posted in Music

D.R.A.M. ft. Lil Yachty, "Broccoli"

It should be noted that The Chainsmokers sit atop the Billboard Hot 100 for a sixth consecutive week.  Beyond the expected, the most notable move of the Hot 100 is the rise of newcomer D.R.A.M.  The rapper’s infectious “Broccoli” breaks into the top 10 this week – great for a debut single. Beyond the Chainsmokers and D.R.A.M., there are other notable stories on the Hot 100 chart dated October 8, 2016.

 

  1. The Chainsmokers (ft. Halsey) don’t budge from the no. 1 spot. “Closer” is still going strong.

 

  1. Not for lack of effort, Twenty One Pilots still can’t get over the hump that is no. 2. “Heathens” remains in the runner-up position.

 

  1. DJ Snake & Justin Bieber move up the ranks as “Let Me Love You” enters the top five (no. 4).

 

 

  1. D.R.A.M. brings the “Broccoli” (ft. Lil Yachty) to the top 10. The infectious joint has nothing to do with the vegetable, unless broccoli and weed are synonymous.

 

  1. gnash breaks into the top 20 with “I Hate U I Love U” ft. Olivia O’Brien (no. 23 to no. 19).

 

  1. The Weeknd returns with the help of Daft Punk on single “Starboy,” which begins at no. 40. Likely, the single should climb up the Hot 100 ranks.

 

 

  1. Young M.A. is on the rise with single “OOOUUU,” which jumps 15 spots from no. 67 to no. 52.

 

  1. Keith Urban has a potential hit on his hand with “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which jumps from no. 73 to no. 60.

 

 

  1. Lil Yachty is on the rise with “1 Night” (no. 83 to no. 70).

 

 

  1. Rae Sremmurd improve 19 spots with “Black Beatles” ft. Gucci Mane (no. 96 to no. 77).
Photo Credits: #1EpicCheck LLC / EMPIRE
Mac Miller, The Divine Feminine © Warner Bros.

25 Chart Takeaways: Mac Miller No. 2 on the Billboard 200

by brent80, posted in Billboard Charts, Columns & Features, Music

Mac Miller, The Divine Feminine © Warner Bros.

Two notable releases dropped on September 16, 2016: Mac Miller (The Divine Feminine) and Usher (Hard II Love).  Despite being big on paper, neither Miller or Usher performed particularly well on the Billboard 200.  Ultimately, a familiar face, Drake (Views), ends up crowning the Billboard 200 once more.  Sadly, Drake’s numbers weren’t particularly exceptional themselves.  It’s not all about Drake, Mac, or Usher – there are many more chart stories from the Billboard 200 dated October 8, 2016.

 

  1. Despite a lengthy absence from no. 1, Drake (Views) somehow finds his way back to the penthouse.

 

 

  1. Mac Miller (The Divine Feminine) earns his second highest peak position at no. 2 (Blue Slide Park debuted at no. 1), but doesn’t deliver earth-shattering numbers.

 

  1. Aaron Lewis of Staind fame takes country album Sinner to no. 4. Most notably, he beats Usher… Confirms Usher’s shit-week.

 

 

  1. Usher didn’t do well. To quote Lady Gaga, “there’s nothing else I can say.” Hard II Love debuts at no. 5 with tepid numbers.

 

  1. “How the mighty fall.” Jason Aldean (They Don’t Know), originally thought a possibility to retain the Billboard 200 throne, slips from no. 1 to no. 6.

 

  1. Casting Crowns debuts at no. 9 with The Very Next Thing, respectable for a CCM act.

 

  1. Ghost’s EP Popestar debuts at no. 16.

 

  1. Led Zeppelin scores at top 25 debut as The Complete BBC Sessions debuts at no. 21.

 

 

  1. Chance The Rapper re-enters the top 25 as Coloring Book jumps from no. 31 to no. 24.

 

  1. Meat Loaf just misses the top 30 as Brave Than We Are debuts at no. 31.

 

  1. Barbra Streisand loses quite a bit of support for Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway. The LP drops from no. 18 to no. 33 in its fourth charting week.

 

 

  1. Die Antwoord (Mount Ninji and Da Nice Time Kid) lands at no. 34.

 

  1. Taking Back Sunday returns to the charts with Tidal Wave, which lands at no. 36.

 

  1. The Beatles’ Live At The Hollywood Bowl free falls from no. 7 to no. 37.

 

  1. Dawes’ We’re All Gonna Die debuts modestly at no. 42.

 

 

  1. Bastille has a horrid sophomore week. Sophomore album Wild World tumbles from no. 4 to no. 43. Ouch!

 

  1. gnash achieves a new peak position with us. Us ascends 21 spots from no. 67 to no. 46.

 

  1. Jack White (Acoustic Recordings: 1998 – 2016) drops from a top-10 debut (no. 8) to no. 62 in his second week.

 

  1. The Head and the Heart perform abysmally in week two. Signs Of Light are hard to come by, considering the album slid 58 spots (no. 5 to no. 63).

 

 

  1. The Glory is nowhere to be found in Britney Spears’ chart tenure. Glory plummets from no. 37 to no. 66. The album has charted just four weeks, with a path encompassing no. 3, no. 12, no. 37, and no. 66.

 

  1. Against Me! (Shape Shift With Me) debuts modestly at no. 80.

 

  1. Wilco sees Schmilco dip 70 spots (no. 11 to no. 81).

 

  1. Chinx’s second posthumous album, Legends Never Die, debuts at no. 121.

 

  1. Robert Glasper Experiment takes ArtScience to no. 129 on the Billboard 200.

 

 

  1. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds see Skeleton Tree plummet from no. 27 to no. 138.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

 

D.R.A.M. ft. Lil Yachty, "Broccoli"

10 Hot 100 Takeaways: The Chainsmokers Spend 5th Week At No. 1

by brent80, posted in Billboard Charts, Columns & Features, Music

D.R.A.M. ft. Lil Yachty, "Broccoli"

Despite a push from twenty one pilots (“Heathens”), The Chainsmokers – with the help of Halsey – spend a fifth week at no. 1 on the Hot 100.  “Closer” is unstoppable…at least this week.  Beyond the continual dominance of The Chainsmokers and twenty one pilots, there are more notable stories from the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 1, 2016.

 

  1. The Chainsmokers & Halsey spend a fifth week at no. 1 on the Hot 100 with “Closer.” “Don’t Let Me Down,” their second top-five hit, sits at no. 5 this week.

 

 

  1. twenty one pilots keeps the no. 2 spot warm with “Heathens,” unable to end The Chainsmokers’ run. “Ride” spends another week in the top 10, slipping from no. 6 to no. 9.

 

  1. DJ Snake, with the help of Justin Bieber, ascends into the top 10. “Let Me Love You” rises from no. 12 to no. 6.

 

 

  1. D.R.A.M. continues to rise on the Hot 100. “Broccoli,” featuring Lil Yachty, improves from no. 14 to new peak, no. 12.

 

  1. Lady Gaga rejoins the Billboard Hot 100 in respectable fashion as “Perfect Illusion” lands at no. 15.

 

 

  1. Sia sees “The Greatest,” which also features Kendrick Lamar, fly up the charts (no. 52 to no. 24).

 

 

  1. Hailee Steinfield & Grey (featuring Zedd) sees “Starving” improve six spots from no. 39 to no. 33.

 

 

  1. Alessia Cara sees “Scars to Your Beautiful” improve 17 spots from no. 79 to no. 62.

 

 

  1. Tucker Beathard’s “Rock On” does just that, jumping from no. 74 to no. 65.

 

 

  1. Young M.A. (“OOOUUU”) jumps 15 spots this week (no. 82 to no. 67).

An expanded version of 10 Hot 100 Takeaways appears on the Musical Hype (Hot 100 Jewels) on Wednesday afternoons/evenings.

Photo Credit: D.R.A.M.

 

 

Jason Aldean, They Don't Know © Broken Bow

25 Chart Takeaways: Jason Aldean Takes They Don’t Know to No. 1

by brent80, posted in Billboard Charts, Columns & Features, Music

Jason Aldean, They Don't Know © Broken Bow

Country singer Jason Aldean finds himself once more atop the Billboard 200 – shocker. His latest album, They Don’t Know, easily takes top honors.  By far, Aldean’s most recent no. 1 album is the biggest chart story this week.  Even if he’s “the cat’s meow” this week, there are plenty of other chart stories on the Billboard 200 dated October 1, 2016.

 

  1. Jason Aldean keeps churning out no. 1 albums. They Don’t Know is the latest of the crop.

 

  1. Drake (Views) reclaims a familiar spot – no. 2. Views has charted for 20 weeks, all of which have been spent in the top five.

 

 

  1. Bastille scores its highest debut as Wild World lands at no. 4.

 

  1. The Head and the Heart earn some top-five glory as Signs of Light debuts at no. 5.

 

 

  1. Travis Scott expectedly takes a dip this week as Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight slips from no. 1 to no. 6. No “goosebumps” this week.

 

  1. The Beatles’ Live At The Hollywood Bowl debuts at no. 7.

 

  1. Jack White takes Acoustic Recordings: 1998 – 2016 to no. 8.

 

  1. Florida Georgia Line takes a tumble this week. Dig Your Roots falls from no. 5 to no. 10 in week three.

 

 

  1. Wilco just misses the top 10. Schmilco settles for no. 11.

 

  1. After weeks in the top 10, twenty one pilots’ Blurryface exits (no. 7 to no. 12) in its 70th charting week. Frank Ocean exits the top-10 this week as Blonde spends week four at no. 13. Rihanna is pushed out of the top-10, like twenty one pilots and Frank Ocean. Anti slips from no. 8 to no. 14 in its 34th chart week.

 

  1. Week three wasn’t the kindest to Barbra Streisand. Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway dives 12 spots from no. 6 to no. 18.

 

 

  1. Local Natives’ Sunlit Youth debuts outside of the top 20 at no. 22.

 

  1. Of Mice & Men locks in a top-25 debut with Cold World (no. 24).

 

 

  1. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds latest masterpiece, Skeleton Tree, debuts at no. 27.

 

  1. Gavin DeGraw (Something Worth Saving) settles for a modest start at no. 35.

 

  1. Britney Spears nosedives this week. Glory feels like anything but glorious, sliding from no. 12 to no. 37 in its third week.

 

 

  1. Grouplove narrowly secures a top 40 debut as Big Mess bows at no. 40.

 

  1. All Time Low takes Straight to DVD II: Past, Present and Future Hearts to no. 41.

 

  1. St. Paul & The Broken Bones debuts at no. 44 with a Sea of Noise.

 

  1. Gospel standout Tamela Mann sees her new album, One Way, crack the top 50 (no. 45).

 

 

  1. The Dear Hunter debuts at no. 48 with Act V: Hymns With the Devil in Confessional.

 

 

  1. M.I.A. debuts modestly at no. 66 with AIM.

 

  1. Blake Shelton comes back to earth – in a dramatic fashion. If I’m Honest slips 50 spots (no. 18 to no. 68).

 

 

  1. Norma Jean takes Polar Similar to no. 75.

 

  1. Whiskey Myers’ Mud starts at no. 80.

An expanded version of 25 Chart Takeaways, BB GROOVES, appears weekly on the Musical Hype on Wednesday mornings.

Photo Credit: Broken Bow
shawn-mendes-illuminate-island

New Music Alert: Shawn Mendes & More

by brent80, posted in Columns & Features, Music, Press Releases & Shopping Lists

It’s that time folks! The intensity has begun to pick up as we are entrenched in the fourth quarter of 2016.  This week – release date September 23, 2016 – there are many new album releases.  That said, it’s a top-heavy week, with Shawn Mendes clearly leading the charge with his highly anticipated sophomore album, Illuminate.

1. Shawn Mendes, Illuminate

[Island]

Shawn Mendes, Illuminate © Island

Canadian Heartthrob Shawn Mendes releases highly anticipated sophomore album, Illuminate.  Illuminate follows Mendes’ platinum-certified, no. 1 debut, Handwritten.  One this is for sure, Mendes has “put in work” promoting Illuminate, releasing five singles prior to the album’s release.  Mendes has a potential blockbuster on his hands.

2. Ty Dolla $ign, Campaign 

[Atlantic]

Ty Dolla Sign, Campaign © Atlantic

Where Shawn Mendes was early promoting his new LP, Ty Dolla $ign announced late, but released a slew of new singles.  Campaign amazingly arrives less than a year after the singer/rapper’s debut album, Free TC (it arrived in November 2015).  Free TC debuted at no. 14 on the Billboard 200.

  • Tracks: 16
  • Featured Guests: Future, Travis Scott & Big TC
  • Pre-Release Singles: “Campaign” (ft. Future), “3 Wayz” (ft. Travis Scott), “Zaddy” & “Stealing”

3. Idina Menzel, Idina. 

[Warner Bros.]

Idina Menzel, Idina. © Warner Bros.

Idina Menzel’s profile was elevated with the release of Disney’s Frozen, in which she performed the signature, Academy Award-winning original song, “Let It Go.”  After releasing a holiday album in 2014 (Holiday Wishes), she returns with a pop album of originals, simply entitled Idina.  Prior to the album, she released four singles, with “Perfect Story” arriving most recently.

  • Tracks: 12
  • Featured Guests: None
  • Pre-Release Singles: “Small World,” “Queen of Swords,” “I See You” & “Perfect Story”

4. Luke Bryan, Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer (EP) 

[Row Crop / Capitol Nashville]

Luke Bryan, Here's to the Farmer EP © Capitol Nashville

Country superstar Luke Bryan returns with a five-song EP, Farm Tour…Here’s to the Farmer.  Bryan has been notorious for releasing EPs throughout his career, most of which previously revolved around spring break.  Apparently, someone told Mr. Bryan he was 40 and no longer 21 this go-round.  Regardless, Bryan is literally touring farms…check out his tour schedule on his site.

  • Tracks: 5
  • Featured Guests: none
  • Pre-release singles: “Here’s to the Farmer” & “Love Me in a Field

5. Trolls (Soundtrack) 

[RCA]

Trolls © RCA

Justin Timberlake released the promo single for the Trolls soundtrack ages ago, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” ended up giving the pop star another no. 1 hit and built up some anticipation for the soundtrack itself.  Only two singles were released prior to the effort, with the second being Justin Timberlake/Anna Kendrick duet, “True Colors.”

  • Tracks: 13
  • Featured Artists: Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Ron Funches, James Corden, Zooey Deschanel, Anna Kendrick, Ariana Grande, Earth Wind & Fire
  • Pre-release singles: “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” & “True Colors”

6. Skylar Grey, Natural Causes 

[Interscope]

 Skylar Grey, Natural Causes © Interscope

At one time, Skylar Grey was once a popular collaborative artist.  Like so many hot commodities that “blow up,” she had a run.  Upon releasing her debut album Don’t Look Down (2013), not a lot of folks showed up.  Natural Causes arrives three years later and despite being on a major label, it’s had a very understated roll out.  Once more, Eminem guests, serving as the sole guest feature.  

  • Tracks: 13
  • Featured Guests: Eminem
  • Pre-Release singles: “Lemonade,” “Come up for Air,” “Off Road” & “Moving Mountains”

7. My Chemical Romance, The Black Parade / Living with Ghosts (The 10th Anniversary) 

[Reprise]

My Chemical Romance, The Black Parade / Living with Ghosts (The 10th Anniversary) © Reprise

My Chemical Romance disbanded in 2013. Emo hearts were broken everywhere, but Gerard Way and company left a savvy discography that will live on forever.  No album was bigger for the collective than 2006 effort, The Black Parade.  Now 10 years old, the band commemorates their crowning achievement by rereleasing it with demos.

  • Tracks: 25
  • Featured Guests: N/A
  • Pre-Release singles: “The Five of Us Are Dying (Rough Mix)”

8. Passenger, Young as the Morning, Old as the Sea 

[Black Crow / Nettwerk]

Passenger, Young as the Morning Old as the Sea © Black Crow

Singer/songwriter Passenger returns with new album Young as the Morning, Old as the Sea. Young follows 2014 effort, Whispers.  Passenger received the most attention back in 2012 when he had hit single “Let Her Go” on his hands (All the Little Lights).  Since then, it’s been “all quiet on the western front.”

  • Tracks: 16
  • Featured Guests: Birdy
  • Pre-Release singles: “Anywhere” & “Somebody’s Love”

9. How to Dress Well, Care

[Domino]

How to Dress Well, Care © Domino

Alternative musician Tom Krell (How to Dress Well) returns with his fourth album, Care. Care follows the critically acclaimed effort, What Is This Heart? (2014).  All Music currently considers What Is This Heart? to be How to Dress Well’s best album.  Interestingly on Metacritic, the effort received a slightly less glowing score of 69.

  • Tracks: 12
  • Featured Guests: none
  • Pre-Release Singles: “What’s Up” & “Lost Youth / Lost You”

Also Released:

Bruce Springsteen, Chapter and Verse [Bruce Springsteen]; Crowder, American Prodigal [sixsteprecords/Sparrow]; Devendra Banhart, Ape in Pink Marble [Nonesuch]; Dwight Yoakam, Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars… [Via Records]; Every Time I Die, Low Teens [Epitaph]; Greensky Bluegrass, Shouted, Written Down & Quoted [Big Blue Zoo]; GRiZ, Good Will Prevail [All Good Records]; Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam, I Had a Dream That You Were Mine [Glassnote]; Joe Bonamassa, Live at the Greek Theatre [J&R Adventures, LLC]; Kristin Chenoweth, The Art of Elegance [Concord]; MUTEMATH, Changes [Wojtek]; Warpaint, Heads Up [Rough Trade]

Originally published on Music Shopping List: Shawn Mendes (Illuminate) Highlights on The Musical Hype on September 19, 2016.

Photo Credit: Island, Atlantic, Warner Bros., Capitol Nashville, RCA, Interscope, Reprise, Black Crow / Nettwerk, Domino
Suicide Squad - The Album © Atlantic

10 Hot 100 Takeaways: The Chainsmokers & Halsey Still Tops

by brent80, posted in Billboard Charts, Columns & Features, Music, Pop Culture

Suicide Squad - The Album © Atlantic

The story of the Billboard Hot 100 continues to center around The Chainsmokers as “Closer” spends its fourth week at no. 1.  Even so, hot on The Chainsmokers’ tails is Twenty One Pilots’ “Heathens,” which reaches a new peak position at no. 2.  Can Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun rise to no. 1? Time will tell, but this isn’t about “what ifs” but stories that have transpired on the Hot 100.  Here are some of the biggest stories for the Hot 100 dated September 24, 2016.

 

 

  1. The Chainsmokers (ft. Halsey) retain the no. 1 spot on the Hot 100 with “Closer” for a fourth consecutive week. A second single, “Don’t Let Me Down” (ft. Daya), remains at no. 5.

 

 

  1. Twenty One Pilots sees Suicide Squad track “Heathens” ascend from no. 3 to no. 2. Twenty One Pilots also have a second top ten single with “Ride” (no. 6).

 

 

  1. Charlie Puth earns himself another top-10 hit as “We Don’t Talk Anymore” (ft. Selena Gomez) ascends from no. 12 to no. 10.

 

 

  1. Drake sees “One Dance” exit the top 10. Mark this date down!

 

 

  1. D.R.A.M. sees “Broccoli” continue to ascend up the charts (no. 18 to no. 14).

 

 

  1. Ariana Grande’s “Side to Side” (ft. Nicki Minaj) jumps 13 spots from no. 31 to no. 18.

 

 

  1. gnash achieves a new peak position as “I Hate U I Love U” (ft. Olivia O’Brien) ascends one spot to no. 22.

 

 

  1. Hailee Steinfield & Grey see a 10-position spike for single “Starving” (ft. Zedd). “Starving” rises from no. 49 to no. 39.

 

 

  1. Travis Scott & Young Thug sees single “Pick Up The Phone” rise 30 spots from no. 73 to no. 43. Quavo is featured on the track. Furthermore, the best song from Scott’s Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, “Goosebumps” (ft. Kendrick Lamar), starts at no. 92.

 

 

  1. Sia sees latest single “The Greatest” (ft. Kendrick Lamar) debut at no. 52.
Photo Credit: Atlantic 

 

 

 

Travis Scott, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight © Epic

25 Chart Takeaways: Travis Scott Takes No. 1 on Billboard 200

by brent80, posted in Billboard Charts, Columns & Features, Music

Travis Scott, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight © Epic

Rapper Travis Scott should be proud of himself.  He released an album on the dead September 2 released date and managed to score his first no. 1 album.  Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight easily took top honors.  Now that’s what you call being opportunistic! Despite a quiet week, there are more chart stories beyond Scott for the Billboard 200 dated September 24, 2016.

 

  1. Travis Scott took advantage of one of the most lackluster weeks of 2016 and came out victorious. Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight easily debuts at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. His debut album Rodeo re-enters the charts at no. 150.

 

 

  1. A Day To Remember also had a sound week on the BB200. Bad Vibrations reverberated with audiences, scoring a no. 2 debut behind Scott.

 

  1. Florida Georgia Line (Dig Your Roots) slips from no. 2 to no. 5 in week two.

 

  1. After shocking the world with another no. 1 album, Barbra Streisand sees Encore slip from no. 1 to no. 6.

 

  1. Frank Ocean sees Blonde slide five spots from no. 5 to no. 10. Blonde has charted for three weeks.

 

 

  1. Ariana Grande knocks on the door of the top 10 as Dangerous Woman ascends three spots from no. 14 to no. 11. 

 

  1. Britney Spears didn’t get too much Glory for her new album, despite the glorious review The Musical Hype gave it. Glory slides from no. 3 to no. 12 in week two.

 

  1. Sia sees This Is Acting rise nine spots from no. 22 to no. 13 on the BB200. This Is Acting has charted for 32 weeks.

 

 

  1. Isaiah Rashad sees The Sun’s Tirade start at no. 17. Respectable enough.

 

  1. Blake Shelton sees If I’m Honest soar up the charts from no. 37 to no. 18. This isn’t the first time this has happened in the album’s chart tenure.

 

 

  1. Tory Lanez sees I Told You dip seven spots from no. 16 to no. 23. I Told You has charted for three weeks, debuting at no. 4.

 

  1. Epic Lit debuts on the Billboard 200 at no. 27.

 

  1. Young Thug takes a tumble this week. JEFFERY slides from no. 8 to no. 31.

 

 

  1. Kelsea Ballerini sees The First Time jump 49 spots from no. 90 to no. 41.

 

  1. Angel Olsen earns the final debut in the top 50 as My Woman lands at no. 47.

 

  1. Red Hot Chili Peppers sees once fading The Getaway improve 75 spots from no. 126 to no. 51.

 

  1. PARTYNEXTDOOR struggles with his third album PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 (P3). This week, it slides from no. 59 to no. 75 after a no. 3 start and four short charting weeks.

 

  1. Dolly Parton falls hard. Pure & Simple dips from no. 34 to no. 77 in week three.

 

 

  1. Justin Moore continues to plummet. Kinda Don’t Care falls from no. 57 to no. 84.

 

  1. Lindsey Stirling (Brave Enough) free falls from no. 44 to no. 89.

 

  1. De La Soul’s comeback album and the ANONYMOUS NOBODY free falls from no. 12 to no. 102.

 

 

  1. Glass Animals plummet in week two. How To Be A Human drops from no. 20 to no. 112.

 

  1. Jake Owen sees American Love improve from no. 188 to no. 126. The album debuted at no. 4.

 

  1. Mike Posner sees At Night, Alone. move up 14 spots from no. 146 to no. 132. The album has charted for 18 weeks, debuting at no. 12.

 

 

  1. Ingrid Michaelson sees It Doesn’t Have To Make Sense slide from no. 19 to no. 184 in week two.
Photo Credit: Epic
barbra-streisand-encore-columbia

25 Chart Takeaways: Babs Is Tops

by brent80, posted in Billboard Charts, Columns & Features, Music

barbra-streisand-encore-columbia

In a week where it seemed impossible, Barbra Streisand (Encore) debuts at no. 1 on the Billboard 200.  Babs didn’t have it easy – she went against formidable opponents in Florida Georgia Line (Dig Your Roots) and Britney Spears (Glory).  Despite a difficult task, Babs is the queen and the top chart story for the Billboard 200, dated September 17, 2016.

 

  1. Barbra Streisand (Encore) inches past Florida Georgia Line (Dig Your Roots) for no. 1 on the Billboard 200. Never underestimate Babs!

 

 

  1. Florida Georgia Line settles for the no. 2 spot on the Billboard 200. Dig Your Roots still performed respectably on the charts.

 

 

  1. Britney Spears didn’t quite get the “glory” she deserved for Glory. Glory starts at no. 3.

 

  1. Drake’s Views falls the furthest it’s fallen since debuting 18 weeks ago – no. 4.

 

  1. Frank Ocean sees Blonde slip from no. 1 to no. 5 in its second week. Channel Orange comes back down the earth, free falling from no. 27 to no. 86.

 

 

  1. Suicide Squad: The Album exits the top-five. It remains in the top 10, falling from no. 3 to no. 6.

 

  1. Beyoncé re-enters the top-10 after a hiatus. Lemonade moves up from no. 13 to no. 7.

 

  1. Young Thug takes Jeffery to no. 8

 

  1. De La Soul were unable to secure a spot in the top 10. Still, And the Anonymous Nobody lands at no. 12.

 

 

  1. Tory Lanez debut I Told You drops 12 spots from no. 4 to no. 16.

 

  1. Ingrid Michaelson secures a spot in the top 20 with It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense. The album starts at no. 19.

 

 

  1. Glass Animals earn the final debut in the top 20. How To Be A Human Being debuts at no. 20.

 

  1. As “Mama Said” gains popularity, so does Lukas Graham’s self-titled debut. It ascends 17 spots from no. 48 to no. 31.

 

  1. After debuting last week at no. 11, Dolly Parton sees Pure & Simple slip 23 spots to no. 34.

 

  1. CNCO takes Primera Cita to no. 39.

 

 

  1. Lindsey Stirling free falls this week. Brave Enough dipped from no. 5 to no. 44. Ouch!

 

  1. Vince Staples’ Prima Donna (EP) debuts at no. 50.

 

 

  1. Carly Rae Jepson is back on the BB200. E*MO*TION: Side B debuts at no. 62.

 

  1. Michael Sweet takes One Sided War to no. 77.

 

  1. Prophets of Rage’s The Party’s Over (EP) debuts quietly at no. 84.

 

  1. Joseph (I’m Alone, No You’re Not) debuts at no. 104.

 

 

  1. FUTURISTIC (As Seen on the Internet) debuts at no. 116.

 

  1. Young Dolph gets a taste of the BB200 as Rich Crack Baby lands at no. 132.

 

  1. Butch Walker sees his latest album Stay Gold debut at no. 143.

 

 

  1. Banks & Steelz’s Anything But Words debuts modestly at no. 186.

 

Photo Credit: Columbia